Hollywood actress Nia Long condemned the Boston Celtics’ mishandling of the Ime Udoka scandal which occurred prior to this season.
Reports have suddenly leaked out that Udoka was found guilty of having an improper, consensual relationship with a female Celtics staffer. The pressure further rose wherein the suspended coach was also subjected to multiple team violations and was accused of using crude language on the mentioned anonymous team member.
For Long, the swirling drama has been too much and it even severely affected her life and her son with Udoka. She also blasted the absence of support from the Boston organization during difficult times.
“I think the most heartbreaking thing about all of this was seeing my son’s face when the Boston Celtics organization decided to make a very private situation public,” says Long, via The Hollywood Reporter. “It was devastating, and it still is. He still has moments where it’s not easy for him. If you’re in the business of protecting women – I’m sorry, no one from the Celtics organization has even called to see if I’m OK, to see if my children are OK. It’s very disappointing.”
When several female members of the Celtics were unfairly placed on online speculations of having a connection with Udoka, both owner Wyc Grousbeck and team president Brad Stevens quickly took the podium and dramatically safeguarded these workers.
As such, Long is appreciative of the sympathies given by many people, who truly gave a comforting presence to her challenging healing process.
“I literally felt like my heart had jumped out of my body,” Long said. “And then what I found was this tribe of women and men who were standing up for me in a way that felt like I was in this bubble of protection, and that was very comforting.”
Udoka was immediately barred by the Celtics via one-year suspension from head coaching duties following his notorious issue. Last season, he led the franchise towards a splendid rise and to its first NBA Finals in 12 years as a neophyte top play-caller.
Amid his absence from the sidelines, Boston is visibly unbothered by the controversy that took place, as they are sporting the league-best 18-4 record behind the guidance of interim coach Joe Mazzulla.
